I didn’t go far that night. The quick darkness of the mountains made the path treacherous. But I was on my way early the next morning and sighted Senlik perhaps an hour before nightfall. The first person to see me was little Rihol, who had been watching for my return. He came sprinting up the path and danced about beneath the horse’s hooves in excitement.
I dismounted to calm the mare, but Rihol’s enthusiasm was unchecked, and finally I hoisted him to my shoulders to keep him from being kicked. Lifting him hurt, but carrying him was easy enough, though I nearly dropped him once when the heel of his flailing foot grazed my ribs. He hugged my head in apology and managed to restrain himself thereafter.
We made our way into town and someone took the horse’s bridle from me as Hakan greeted me in the street. I lifted Rihol down and sent him off to his sister, who was giving me a very strange look. Twilling ushered us into the dining room and closed the door after us so we could speak in relative peace.
Hakan’s first words though were not about my mission. “I didn’t know you liked children.” He was smiling as if I had done something very funny.
“Should I not?” I’ve never understood why some men seem to abhor the company of children. They’re something of a fascinating and exotic species to me since I cannot remember being so innocent. They are pleasant, rather baffling at times, but certainly nothing to fear as many men seem to fear them. I’d always wanted children of my own. Most people got a little edgy if I even looked at their children, not to mention the sting when children shied away from me. Rihol’s friendly smiles were a rare gift.
He laughed. “I just never expected it, Kemen. You do look rather fierce, you know.”
I shrugged. “Your message was very well received. The leader of the raiding party here commands many of the raids down the border. His name is Zuzay Tafari, and he’s the younger brother of the king Ashmu Tafari. He promised to deliver your letter to the king, and he will send one of his men with the answer in some fourteen days. He also promised no raids until the answer was received.”
“Good! I didn’t know you were a diplomat as well, but you seem to have made quite an impression. I didn’t expect such good news.” He smiled warmly and called for Twilling to bring me some dinner. “You look tired. How was your travel?”
“I had no problems.” But pain is tiring and I was glad to be back in town with a bed waiting for me, though normally I’d consider it an unnecessary luxury.
He studied me a moment as Twilling brought the food. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I smelled the rich bread and meat.
“I would like more of your impressions of them, but I’ll not prevent you from eating now.” He spoke quietly as I ate. “Priven’s son returned the day after you left. Rysling and Fairsky have sworn their allegiance to me as well.”
I nodded. Good. It was a good start, though far from enough. The population of Erdem is some four hundred thousand people, with some fifty thousand of those in and around Stonehaven. The others are scattered about in various smaller towns, with the port city of Pirketa being the next largest at around twenty thousand. Farming and herding towns like Rysling and Fairsky often have no more than a thousand, with those spread loosely about a town center which may only have a few hundred people. Some twenty five thousand men served in the army then, with perhaps half of those being foundlings or orphans and half volunteers. The allegiance of two or three little towns was hopeful, but hardly likely to sway the outcome of any fight for the crown.
Twilling opened the door after a hasty knock. “There is someone here to see you.”
Hayato pushed past him with a quick nod, and Twilling closed the door when we stood to greet him.
“Hayato! I didn’t expect you so soon.” I smiled.
He smiled tightly. “I have news, and not all of it good.” Then he looked closer at me. “Phraa, what happened to you? You look like death!”
“Come, sit. I’m having dinner and I don’t intend to stop while you talk.”
He bowed to Hakan and pulled out a chair, looking me over critically.
“Fight with a raiding party. I think we’re on our way to an agreement with Tafari. What’s your news?” I asked.
“I bet it was a fight! You’re fine then?”
I smiled and nodded at his concern. I hadn’t thought we were close enough for him to notice or care.
“I’ve left word with a few men I trust where I am, in case they find out anything else. Last week, Katzu Itxaro, you remember he’s in charge of the kedani out of Rivensworth. Well, last week Itxaro received orders to march east to secure the border from the northeastern corner south to Tarman’s Pass. They’re leaving today.”
What did that mean? Simple border security? War? A threat of war to secure a peace arrangement? Simply an excuse to get the kedani away from Stonehaven?
Hakan leaned forward, his eyes bright. “Who gave the order? Vidar or Taisto?”
“It was given in Vidar’s name, but I haven’t heard anything sure.” Hayato addressed the prince for the first time, and I felt a little guilty. If he was to be king, I supposed I would have to let him take the lead occasionally. “The bodies have finally been taken down in Stonehaven as well, so that’s some relief.”
“What?” Hakan glanced at me and then back at Hayato.
“The bodies. The people from the palace, you know.”
“What? What do you mean?” Hakan’s voice rose.
Hayato glanced at me. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew already. It’s been nearly a month.” He spoke very quietly. “The royal tutor Tibon Rusta, his wife, the head groom Greso Torna, several menservants, a stable boy, and one of the cooks were accused of being part of an assassination plot. One which was presumed successful. They found a young man dead outside the walls of Stonehaven. He was disfigured, but wearing your clothes and carried your bootknife. The body was presumed to be yours. They were beheaded and the bodies have been on display in Stonehaven for over three weeks.”
Hakan looked like he might be sick. “Who ordered the executions?”
“Vidar. Or Taisto. No one can be sure now.”
“Who was the boy?”
Hayato shrugged slightly. “There are many young men of your age and build in Stonehaven. It could have been any of them.”
Especially since those who knew him best were conveniently executed.